3 minute read

American based jockey Edgar Prado was denied a permit to ride in the Doha festival since he is over 50 years of age.

Prado, an internationally recognised top jockey, is 51 and riding in top form, but in Doha rules is rules and unless you are between 16 and 50 you don't ride.

Apart from that little hiccough the festival seems to have gone very well, with some interesting horses featuring in the 3 graded turf events.

The Dukkhan Sprint G3 over 1200m on the turf went to Anima Rock, with Andrew Balding's Stone of Destiny second, and the big roughie Izzthatright the 3rd placed horse. Mario Hofer's Julio was not that far behind in 6th.

The Al Biddah Mile went to Global Spectrum, a welcome winner fo Gay Kellaway, with Gerald Mosse on board. Luchador was second and Cococabala third. Huga Palmer's Ours Puissant was 5th.

The Amir's Trophy G1 went to H-A Pantell's French King with Olivier Peslier riding. They defeated Royal Julius and the Aidan O'Brien trained Hunting Horn, with The Blue Eye fourth.

There was a good mix of local and foreign horses here and the Qatari's managed a very good carnival except for the little detail of Pardo's problem. They should agree not to have this rulle apply to visiting jockeys if they want to get top trainers to come and be sure that they have the right to the jockey of their choice. There are many jockeys winning G1 races who are over 50.